Art for All

River Gallery School is dedicated to an inclusive art making community. In addition to our regular classes and workshops in which everyone is welcome, we seek to create experiences that highlight and celebrate diversity and programs for people with different abilities and those who identify as part of an underserved community.

Under our Art for Social Change program, we offer expressive arts classes, workshops and materials for marginalized groups in our community, including at-risk youth, LGBTQ and BIPOC community members, people in recovery and transient populations. The process of art making offers a path toward well being that affords a creative outlet for people in stressful situations, builds a sense of belonging, and strengthens self confidence and self esteem.

ASC Offerings

Ability Arts is an educational, vocational and entrepreneurial program for individuals with a disability to create, exhibit and sell art. Art is the common language and physical and intellectual barriers are secondary. All perspectives are encouraged, and support is provided, which may include interpreters, 1:1 staff, and adaptive equipment. This program serves and supports individuals to express their creative talents.

Ability Arts Offerings

Caregivers Workshops are free offerings for people who spend so much of their time and energy caring for someone who depends on them, either professionally or in a family. We recognize the love and attention that caregivers bring to their charges, and hope to help recharge your batteries. The processes in each workshop are simple and direct, do not require an art background or special skills, and are designed to be relaxing and fun, as well as creative. These workshops are offered with the support of The Thomas Thompson Trust Foundation.

Join our Caregivers Waitlist

Creative Aging Staying connected with your creative self can help your mind remain agile. Taking art classes and workshops can help create community and keep you engaged. Learning something new at any age is fun, challenging and keeps your body and mind active. RGS offers classes and workshops for adults of any age as well as offering classes especially for seniors from time to time. Why not try Focused Inspiration for some guided art experiences, or a weekend intensive workshop?

Classes and Workshops

Beautiful job with the school everybody!! It’s been a haven for so many during hard times. I’m so grateful for all the grace, support, and creative inspiration you all provide me, my family, and the greater community.
Jodi
"The art bags went like hotcakes! I put them in the common area of our Independent Living Building and two days later they were all gone! I know there are many people in the building that are artistic."
Jessy
“When I was coming here I felt like I had a million things to do and they all fell away while I was here. It felt really good to make a choice to take care of myself. Thank you for coming all the way out here. We can feel isolated.”
Great River Terrace student
"This series means so much to me. You are the perfect leader - quiet, confident, totally non-judgmental. I looked after my husband and soulmate for seven years of dementia...he died in 2015, but only now have I begun to come out of hiding, so to speak."
Julia
"My son has never felt included and accepted like he has in this class and talks about it all week."
From LGBTQ Youth class